Egypt’s Minister of Public Business Sector, Dr. Mahmoud Assmat, recently met with Norwegian Ambassador H.E. Hilda Clemetsdal and a delegation from Skattek, a leading Norwegian renewable energy company.
The meeting, also attended by the Minister’s Advisor for Investment and Restructuring, Mohammed Hassouna, focused on accelerating joint projects. A key initiative is a 1-gigawatt solar power station designed to provide low-carbon energy for the Nag Hammadi Aluminum Complex.
Collaborative Opportunities in Renewable Energy
Discussions centered on enhancing mutual cooperation and bilateral investment, particularly in new and renewable energy, to support Egypt’s transition to a green economy. Both parties explored strategies to reduce emissions, expand clean energy use, and comply with environmental standards to improve access to global markets, especially in Europe.
The discussion also covered the initial steps for building the 1-gigawatt solar power station to supply electricity to the Egyptalum aluminum complex in Nag Hammadi. This collaboration with Skattek includes power purchase agreements, economic and environmental impact assessments, financing, and project timelines. The project aims to complete the first 500 megawatts by the end of next year, with the remaining 500 megawatts scheduled for completion by June 2026.
Dr. Assmat noted that Egyptalum has achieved a record-breaking production capacity for the first time since its establishment. He attributed this increase, coupled with higher sales volumes in both domestic and international markets, to effective maintenance, innovative marketing strategies, and improved industrial supplies.
“We look forward to further collaboration to increase production capacity, improve company performance in response to growing market demand, and maximize return on investment,” Dr. Assmat added.
Ambassador Clemetsdal expressed Norway’s pride in its cooperation with Egypt across various sectors, emphasizing a keen interest in strengthening economic ties. She commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Public Business Sector and Skattek on this important project, which supports Egypt’s transition to a green economy. She also highlighted the eagerness of Norwegian companies to invest and expand their presence in the Egyptian market.
Nag Hammadi’s 1 GW Solar Energy Initiative
The project is a joint venture between Norwegian renewables producer Scatec ASA and Misr Aluminum Company (Egyptalum) to build a 1 GW solar power plant in Nag Hammadi, Qena Governorate. This plant will provide a dedicated renewable energy source for Egyptalum’s aluminum smelter.
With an installed capacity of 1,000 MW from PV modules, the solar plant is poised to become a central pillar of power generation for Egyptalum’s facility, enabling the production of high-grade, low-carbon aluminum.
The project will be implemented in two 500 MW phases to ensure a smooth workflow and optimal use of resources. The first phase will involve installing state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly solar panels equipped with advanced tracking systems.
The integration of solar power into aluminum production in Nag Hammadi will enhance the region’s economic resilience and contribute to Egypt’s broader goal of diversifying its energy mix. This landmark project aligns with Egypt’s ambition to become a leader in sustainable development and renewable energy.
